FOSTER YOUTH THANKSGIVING

The Big T-DAY Event is Back!

Children without a home not only don't have the support of family around them. Usually they do not get to celebrate holidays like the rest of us. Therefore, the Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee with many friends and neighbors sponsor foster care group homes for a traditional Thanksgiving dinner with entertainment and prizes at an undisclosed secure location.

Generally a 60+ volunteer team prepares and serves a sit down traditional meal of turkey, three sides, dinner rolls with butter, pecan, pumpkin or apple pie with whipped cream, and a beverage. Side dishes vary, depending on the chefs: mashed potatoes and gravy, turkey dressing, green bean or corn casserole, sweet potatoes-yams, fruit salad or green salad with dressing. Lemonade, sparkling cider and soda pop are popular, depending on the donor.

In the past local and state police officers help out. A DJ pumps up the energy and the Arizona Cardinals provide entertainment.

Please join the team to make Thanksgiving so very special. This is a beautiful and memorable event for all - kids sit around a table, enjoying turkey and all the trimmings - while feeling cared for, special, and loved.

Please email info@ahwatukeekiwanis.org for more information.

Community Support Needed

We depend on community support for a location, security, chefs, food, beverages, desserts, a DJ, special guests, 60+ event volunteers, and holiday themed table settings for our foster kids and their chaperones. Please contact us if you are interested in supporting this highly popular Valley-wide event.

An empty chair

From the eyes of a volunteer

The gym is cramped with turkey bedlam. That's the event slang for loud happy sugar influenced foster children. The DJ’s selection of popular tunes is pounding. End-to-end tables line the stage dressed in Fall garland and twinkly lights.

Crowded behind the tables is a row of chairs where 12 – 15 jovial men sit. They are alums who once played in the NFL, mostly with the AZ Cardinals. Each one has a pen, preparing to sign autographs for the lengthy line of waiting young fans.

As the kids usher by the line of tables, I see a boy about 9 or 10 years old. It is hard to hear but the player must be asking the boy where his paper is. The next thing I noticed is an empty chair.

The former AZ Cardinal’s player is embracing the boy, teammate style. Then it hit me, he is a foster child who doesn't want autographs. He wants a hug, and he got it at Foster Youth Thanksgiving.

FOSTER YOUTH THANKSGIVING

The Big T-DAY Event is Back!

Community Support Needed

Discover The Kiwanis Club of Ahwatukee's mission of hOPE

350 Foster Children Celebrate thanksgiving with your help

An empty chair

From the eyes of a volunteer

Thanks to Texas Roadhouse the Arizona cardinals community Sponsors and Volunteers, 416 DINNERS were served TO 30 VALLEY GROUP HOMES and volunteers while being entertained at Thanksgiving 2023